Thursday, September 8, 2016

Birth of Mary

Today, on Our Lady's birthday, the Church celebrates the first dawning of redemption with the appearance in the world of the Savior's mother, Mary.

The Blessed Virgin occupies a unique place in the history of salvation, and she has the highest mission ever commended to any creature. We rejoice that the Mother of God is our Mother, too. Let us often call upon the Blessed Virgin as "Cause of our joy", one of the most beautiful titles in her litany.

Since September 8 marks the end of summer and beginning of fall, this day has many thanksgiving celebrations and customs attached to it. In the Old Roman Ritual there is a blessing of the summer harvest and fall planting seeds for this day.

The winegrowers in France called this feast "Our Lady of the Grape Harvest". The best grapes are brought to the local church to be blessed and then some bunches are attached to hands of the statue of Mary. A festive meal which includes the new grapes is part of this day.

In the Alps section of Austria this day is "Drive-Down Day" during which the cattle and sheep are led from their summer pastures in the slopes and brought to their winter quarters in the valleys. This was usually a large caravan, with all the finery, decorations, and festivity. In some parts of Austria, milk from this day and all the leftover food are given to the poor in honor of Our Lady’s Nativity.

Follow Us

About Us

The Province of Meribah strives to discern and respond to the needs of the Church today.
We see the Catholic school as the center of apostolic activities, activities which make their effect felt far beyond the walls of the classroom.
As a consequence of our profession of vows, we enter a new family, our religious community. In this religious community, we assume new relationships and responsibilities toward God, our Brothers in community, and the People of God.
By our profession in the Society of Mary, we commit ourselves to grow in holiness and to bring all to Christ.

The Province of Meribah

Our vocation is an infinite gift, offered to us by Jesus in the name of his Mother. As Marianists, we dedicate our lives to Mary. We are honored to follow her example of humble service and faithful discipleship in every aspect of our life.

Vocation Director

The Province of Meribah welcomes young men who have graduated from high school to join them in their life of prayer, dedication to the common life, and mission of educating the young.

Operation Fiat

Operation Fiat is for young men considering a vocation to religious life. The evening includes Evening Prayer, dinner with the Community, and a short presentation.

The Fall Operation Fiat took place on Wednesday, November 14th at the Kellenberg Memorial Community in Uniondale, New York. It began at 6 pm in the Chapel of the Transfiguration.

The Spring Operation Fiat was held on Tuesday, April 17th at the Chaminade-Mineola Community at 6 pm in the Chapel of Our Lady's Assumption. Brother Lawrence shared his vocation over his years in religious life.

May the grace of a Marianist vocation be brought to fulfillment.

If you are interested in learning more about the Marianists, please contact Bro. Michael or Bro. Stephen.